Kenneth J. “Kiki” Gawrys passed away on Saturday August 28th at the VA Medical Center in West Roxbury. He was the son of Zenon and Noella B. Gawrys of Beverly; beloved husband of Kathleen McHugh Gawrys; brother of Thomas Gawrys of Marblehead, Dennis Gawrys of New York, Michael Gawrys of Beverly, and the late Allan Gawrys of Beverly.
Born in Salem, MA he attended St. James Grammar School in Salem and was a graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School class of 1966 where he was a 3-sport standout in baseball, football, and basketball. He completed a Tour of Combat Duty in the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Sargent E-5 in the United States Marine Corps. Working as a production supervisor at Hood Foam Industries, and then as co-owner of Butler Linen Supply, he raised a family in Rowley where he coached all levels of youth baseball. He was particularly proud of facilitating the return of Intertown Babe Ruth League Baseball to Rowley, which he coached successfully for several years, securing a league championship in 1996. Commander of the Rowley VFW Post 5707 through the 1990s and 2000s where he organized and led the annual Memorial Day Parade, he was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Ipswich VFW Post 1093, and a member of the Gloucester Elks (BPOE).
Known affectionately as “Duds” by his close family and friends, he enjoyed watching Boston sports teams, especially the Red Sox. His favorite activities were vacationing with his family, skiing, and golfing. He spent his active time in retirement participating in golf leagues at Rowley and Georgetown Country Clubs.
He is survived by his four sons Jesse, Andrew and Jonathan Gawrys, and Scott Falk; and his grandchildren Maura and Evan Gawrys; Luke and Nolan Gawrys; and Brendan, Liam, Cole, and Lainie Falk.
His funeral service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made in his name to Marine Toys for Tots (https://www.toysfortots.org/donate). To light a memorial candle or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.fsrobertsandson.com. Arrangements entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home of Rowley.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Kenneth "Kiki" J. Gawrys, please visit our floral store.